Boris Johnson quits as foreign secretary

Foreign secretary and pro-Brexit giant Boris Johnson has resigned as from Elizabeth May’s government, becoming the third minister in 24 hours to walk out over Theresa May’s plans for a “soft-Brexit”.

Pressure on the foreign secretary had been mounting since fellow pro-Brexiters David Davis and Steve Baker resigned.

A Downing Street spokesman said: “This afternoon, the prime minister accepted the resignation of Boris Johnson as foreign secretary. His replacement will be announced shortly. The prime minister thanks Boris for his work.

The exit of so many pro-Brexit forces from May’s government could very well lead to a vote of no-confidence.